Deni Mesanovic, an industrious individual hailing from Detroit, is the mastermind behind Pelton – his second venture as an entrepreneur. He previously founded Mesanovic Microphones, which focused on reinventing the ribbon microphone technology by using aluminum ribbons that are 1/50th the thickness of a human hair. Deni’s expertise also led to the enhancement of the small motors utilized in the production process of these fragile devices. Apart from microphone technology, Mesanovic is also passionate about watches and has acquired the skills of a watchmaker. He currently owns and operates a combination of modern computer-aided and traditional hand-operated metalworking machines that are dedicated to watchmaking.
The case
Pelton takes pride in producing its own cases and crowns in-house. They are committed to creating the only watch bracelet that is genuinely “Made in the USA.” The Perseus, Pelton’s Royal Oak tribute watch, features this unique bracelet. Unfortunately, it would be hard to discuss the impressive 131-piece, handmade bracelet at the moment. However, the making of this bracelet is a demonstration of Pelton’s metalworking prowess, and one can appreciate their abilities by watching the video of its production.
The 40-millimeter Sector watch showcases remarkable precision, made possible by the same capabilities used in its construction. Its edges are flawlessly crafted, evident upon holding the watch, and even more so under magnification. The Sector’s mid-case and lugs are crafted from 316L stainless steel, which is brushed to achieve a sleek and polished appearance.
The bezel
Meanwhile, the bezel is polished to a mirror-like shine with tall chamfers. Wearing the Sector is a comfortable and flexible experience as it is 9.9 millimeters thick and can withstand water depths of up to 100 meters. Achieving the desired brushed effect on stainless steel is a complex task, and despite using computer-aided machines, the craftsman still utilizes traditional polishing wheels to eliminate any minute imperfections. Consequently, the brushing on the Sector watch is silky smooth and gleams brighter than a standard brushed stainless steel finish.
An example of the exquisite craftsmanship in the Pelton Sector watch can be seen in its screw-in crown, which is a unique 10-sided decagon shape, reminiscent of the Omega sector dial watches. The crown is easy to operate and bears the 10-pointed star logo from the coat of arms of Prijedor, Bosnia, reflecting the brand’s attention to detail. Additionally, the watch’s solid case back is also an in-house creation that showcases Pelton’s metalwork capabilities. The case back features a shallow chamfered edge for comfortable wear and proudly displays the phrases “Made in the USA,” “Swiss Mvmt,” and a serial number, along with the star logo and watch name.
The dial
The Pelton Sector dial boasts an alternating bead-blasting and circular brushing finish that complements the case. The placement of the date display at three o’clock on the watch is aesthetically pleasing and enhances the overall design. The font used for the numerals is appropriately traditional, and the railroad outer track contributes to the classic look of the timepiece. Overall, the Pelton Sector watch is a well-crafted piece of artistry that pays attention to the smallest details.
Color Options
You can choose from two color options for the Sector watch: a silver steel dial or a dark ruthenium-plated one. The silver dial has contrasting sectors that create a bold look, while the darker version has a more subdued appearance. Turquoise accents around the outer railroad track give both dials a modern touch. The Sector watch’s vintage aesthetic is complemented by its diamond-cut leaf hands, which come in either nickel-plated (appearing silver, bronze, or black at different angles) on the black dial or black-plated on the silver dial. The dial’s legibility is improved by contrasting the hands, which are colored to match the numerals and markers.
The strap
I was immediately captivated by the strap and its innovative, slender deployant clasp. I opted for the beige French calfskin strap, which I found to be one of the finest I’ve ever had the pleasure of handling (additional options are available, such as Italian Calfskin and Shell Cordovan in a variety of colors). The pebbled texture of the calfskin and its meticulous stitching contribute an element of sophistication that aligns perfectly with the Sector’s Dressy Tool Watch aesthetic. The deployant clasp is not produced in-house, and to fasten it, one must slide the end tab through a slim slot, allowing the leather tab to rest against the wrist. This design significantly reduces bulk, which solves the issue of certain deployant clasps that can feel uncomfortably bulky under a shirt cuff.
The movement
The ETA 2824-2 automatic movement is housed within the watch. While Vortic and Vero are already established USA-based watchmakers that create their own cases and other components in-house, Pelton has also joined this small list. Despite any opinions on the Sector and Perseus watches, Pelton has demonstrated a noteworthy capacity and ambition to advance in-house watchmaking in the United States.